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Hon Reece Whitby MLA, Minister for Emergency Services; Racing and Gaming; Small Business; Volunteering
New 3.4 Urban Tanker will replace ageing firefighting vehicle
- Vehicle design incorporates feedback from volunteer and career firefighters
Baldivis Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) will today take ownership of a new firefighting vehicle which will help protect the community ahead of the next bushfire season.
Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby visited the local unit to inspect the 3.4 Urban Tanker, which features the latest crew protection technology and can hold up to 3,000 litres of water.
It has capacity for six crew and comes with enhanced safety features including an Automatic Vehicle Location function, deluge systems, radiant heat shields, burn-over blankets and in-cab air units.
The 3.4 Urban Tanker will replace Baldivis VFES’ current 4.4 Broadacre Tanker, which has been in active duty for more than 15 years.
Baldivis VFES comprises more than 50 volunteer firefighters and has responded to nearly 200 incidents in the past year.
The vehicle has been designed and built under the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ new development model, which engages volunteers in an extensive consultation process to ensure new firefighting appliances cater to their needs.
Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
“The new 3.4 Urban Tanker will ensure Baldivis VFES continue to deliver an outstanding local response for many years to come.
“Through the Emergency Services Levy, the Government is delivering new equipment and infrastructure to volunteer firefighters, giving them the tools they need to keep people safe.
“The retiring 4.4 vehicle has served the unit well over the years, including at the Wooroloo bushfire earlier this year, and I’m sure the new 3.4 will build on its legacy.”
https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2021/06/Baldivis-volunteer-firefighters-benefit-from-new-fire-truck.aspx
